Newest Magic Team Member: Quentin Richardson

The Magic have formally announced the signing of Quentin Richardson today and they issued the below press release. It has since been reported by the Sentinel’s Josh Robbins that the deal is for 4 years with the 4th year being a player option. I initially didn’t like the signing but it has grown on me and I think this will be a solid pickup for the Magic. While everyone here loved Matt Barnes, if you remain unbiased and look at it objectively, the team got a better player for the same price. The main concern for Magic fans will obviously be his overall level of toughness. While Otis mentions below that he likes his toughness, the fans will be looking for him to replace the “enforcer” role that Matt Barnes brought to the team. Will there ever be “Quentin Richardson Kill You” shirts? Let’s hope. For more Richardson analysis, click here.

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard/forward Quentin Richardson, General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

“Quentin (Richardson) is a solid perimeter defender and brings an element of toughness,” said Smith. “At the same time, he also is a tremendous shooter from long range, which fits our style of play very well. We’re excited to add him to our team.”

Richardson (#5, 6’6”, 228, 4/13/80) played in 76 games (75 starts) last season with Miami, averaging 8.9 ppg., 4.9 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 27.4 minpg. He also appeared in five postseason contests, averaging 9.8 ppg., 3.8 rpg., 1.6 apg. and 1.60 stlpg. in 29.8 minpg. Richardson shot a team-best .397 (142-358) from three-point range, which tied for 21st in the NBA. He scored in double figures 28 times and had seven 20-point outings, including a season-high 25 points on Mar. 4 vs. the L.A. Lakers. Richardson led (or tied) the team in scoring once, in rebounding 12 times and in assists once.

Originally selected in the first round (18th overall) by the L.A. Clippers in the 2000 NBA Draft, Richardson has appeared in 677 career NBA regular season games with the L.A. Clippers, Phoenix, New York and Miami, averaging 11.2 ppg., 5.0 rpg. and 1.6 apg. in 28.0 minpg. He has shot .359 (1,082-3,017) from three-point range during his career. Richardson has also played in 20 career playoff outings, averaging 11.4 ppg., 4.8 rpg., 1.6 apg. and 1.35 stlpg. in 35.6 minpg., while shooting .394 (41-104) from three-point range.

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Richardson’s a better shooter than Barnes, but he doesn’t bring nearly as much defense as Barnes does. Call it a wash ultimately. The bigger question is which ex-Knick they’re going to sign next. Larry Hughes? Malik Rose?